The Alumni Council is excited to announce the launching of a Financial Literacy Series this fall! Navigating the unique world of the Federal workforce – from the hiring process and the GS pay scale to the leave policies, benefits packages, and retirement plans – all of the rules and regulations can be daunting. This workshop series will provide fellows and alumni the necessary information and tools to manage their finances and plan for the future.
The first event, Savvy Secrets to Negotiating Federal Salaries, is scheduled for September 15, 2020. During this session, Lily Whiteman—a leading authority on federal careers—will reveal strategies that may help graduating students significantly boost their salary offers for a first federal job and help current federal employees land valuable promotions. Coverage will include: the basics of federal pay scales; when to negotiate salary during the hiring process; how to negotiate persuasively and confidently; benefits that are negotiable in addition to salary; tips for accelerating your rise up the career ladder; and much more!
The second workshop of the series, Financial Planning (Federal Benefits and Retirement), will follow in October. This session will survey some lesser-known employee benefits (Federal leave policies and buying back time, flexible spending accounts and open season, group life insurance, term care insurance, survivor benefits, and work/life enrichment programs). It will also delve into the Federal Employee Retirement System and explain the differences in Thrift Savings Plans, 401Ks, IRAs, and Social Security.
The series will conclude in November with the final workshop, Investing 101, which will cover the fundamentals of investing – from the different types of investments, to money management and investment strategies. All of the workshops will be done through Zoom which will allow fellows and alumni located outside of DC to participate live with instructors.
Each session will be recorded and made available on the Resources page (must be logged in to access) of the RFG website.
Check our Events page for more details and registration links closer to the event.